LQ9 Engine
 

Ok guys,
Just got word from a guy that has a LQ9 engine for my Chevelle. I already have a T56. The engine is out of a hummer. He says it is complete and in past conversations, that would include the engine, harness, and computers. Any other pieces I should ask about that I will need?

Thanks,
HEEP

Here's my car patiently waiting to get it's LQ9 Dyno'd
 

Don't forget to get the TAC and gas/pedal. I just got done doing a LQ9 swap. It was my first swap. :cheers:

LQ9's only came in Silverado SS, Escalade's a Hummer would have an LQ4.

Update
 

Found another engine from a local guy. He thought he was selling me a LQ9, however, it turned out to be a 4. He said he would make it right and has been looking to find an actual 9 but has not found one. His offer was to find a 9, pay for the tune on the 4, or give me my money back. I chose for him to find a 9, but he can't seem to find one.
In talking with him today, he said he is still looking, but stated that I would probably not notice a difference between a 4 and 9. I also asked if we could go LS1, and he said that was up to me. So, I ask the professionals here, what would you do.
I have no fear that this guy is trying to cheat me. He has kept in touch, and answered every call I have made to him.
So, need some advice here.

Thanks,
HEEP

He's had your money for five months?

There are plenty of either motor you want out there. Now being in your price range might be another matter. But I'd get my money back and get a motor from somewhere else.

while not the cheapest around, cleveland pick a part always has some LS based engines. Man, you should be able to find a truck motor at a local yard quickly and fairly cheap.

Just use the 4. Have him pay for the tune like he said. You'll have all the motor you want, lots of upgrades available for later, can make more power than the LS1 and a stronger bottom end than the LS1 also. If the price is fair for you, theres no reason to worry about the 9. Have fun!

Sorry, been out of town. thanks for the replies. To clarify, this is a different engine that the first post. He has only had my money for a couple of months.

As far as making the power with the 4, what are we talking about? Is this a cam swap and tune? Are we talking turbos? Not sure it I'm ready for that. Let me know some cam specs other have used for some good numbers.

Thanks,
HEEP

Swap a stock LS7 intake, L 92 heads and LS3 cam. All stock/factory parts. Should get you a very reliable 450+ hp. I believe. Or just a LS3 intake and cam+ tune gets you over 400+

Thanks, That's good info. going to start the searching now. Anyone else have some input?
Thanks,
HEEP

Eric, you sure a LS7 intake fits that? I didn't think so....

My input is to get on LS1tech.com and start reading. Will keep you busy for days and show you all kinds of combos/results/#s that you are looking for.

Dave,
I just realized he meant the 4 and not the 9. And depends on which heads he has. But no, the LS7 intake will not fit the LQ4 heads and I am not sure about the LQ9 heads.
However, the ls7 intake does fit the L92 heads if I remember correctly.

(see what happens when I try to think too hard? Lol!)

Do what Dave said. :D

LQ4/LQ9 both use the same heads IIRC and the hot ticket is to use the L92 heads flowing about 330 cfm stock and $800 or so from GM. I think I read they are discontinuing them though?

And I am pretty sure you can only put an LS3/L92 intake on the LQ4/9. Or aftermarket.

Eric, I thought you knew this LS stuff. I don't have an LS either! :willy: :lol:

Here is a good article I bookmarked awhile back on the basics.

http://www.chevyhiperformance.com/te...6_engines.html

Lol.... I am driving around, in and out of the pet store, park and several other places with my 7 year old son. My head is not in "LS" mode at all. I apologize. Don't listen to me today......

ls7 intake dose not fit l92 heads but the l76 dose fit of the g8
http://www.ls1tech.com/forums/genera...l92-heads.html
btw lq4 is low compression motor 300 hp great for boost,lq9 high compression 345 hp better for na,but if ur going to build a stoker "370 408 416 "ether motor works

Well, I'm bringing this back up becasue the guy actually came through with the LQ9. Shocked me. I was actually about to order a rebuild kit and just put new pistons in it. So, now I have the 9 in the garage, and just last week I get informed that a guy at work has an LS1 from a 1998 Camaro. So now, I ask, stay the course with the 9 or sell it for the LS1? I'm confused and ready to go forward.

HEEP

I'd say you should use the LQ9. Unless you are focused on weight, the LQ9 is superior. It's larger and it's cheaper to make more power.

100% agree, but id get the ls1 use all the accesories, and oil pan, and sell the ls1 longblock, unless the lq9 already has the car stuff, or your sourceing others. then leave the ls1 alone. IMHO

Right now, I have the replacement muscle car pan and looking for accessories. There are so many ways of doing this. The truck accessories look horrible. the Vintage Front Runner is way out of my price range. So looking to see if the camaro setup will work.

I am leaning toward just keeping with the 9. Thanks for the inputs.

HEEP

if your going with the truck acc you can use

http://dirtydingo.com/store/product_...oducts_id=1370

that gm muscle car pan will hang way to low. holley, mast or autokraft is the way to go.

i would also stay with the lq9. the 98 ls1 is ok but not a nice. as said weight would be the only good thing about it.

how much hp are u looking for and are u going na .also if u are rebuilding the block u should throw some forged rods and pistons .if that was me i would throw a few forged parts a big cam l92 heads arp bolts ls9 head gasket better spings push rods l76 intake ls2 90mm tb

The 1997-98 engines were the 1st run of the LS motors and has some oil control issues and excessive piston slap upon cold start (piston design). The heads are also perimeter bolts style for the valve covers and the coil packs differ as well. These year engines don't interchange easily with the '99+ engines. Stay away from them IMO. The best swap engines are '99+ all said and done. These engines have center bolt style valve covers and a different PCM/wiring harness, coil pack style, slightly better flowing heads, a better casting block with superior oil control and a few other subtle differences.

For the LQ9 you can bolt on a set of LS3/L92 heads with LS3 intake and get very close to 460-480rwhp+ with a cam/headers/tune depending upon what dyno you are on. These heads have massive ports that sacrifice some low/mid range power for a healthy top end charge. If you want heads with more down low power TFS or AFR heads are a great choice and they flow great up top as well. TFS has a budget friendly 220cc "as cast" head that make only 10rwhp less than the fully CnC ported unit. They are cathedral style heads so they would need an LS1/LS6/FAST style intake.

LS7 intake only works on LS7 heads or small bore custom LS7 heads. An LS7 production head must be run a 4.125" bore or large due to the 2.20" intake valves. The LS3/L92 heads have 2.16" intake valves and clear a 4" bore; however they are actually pretty shrouded up against the cylinder wall and aren't optimal. The TFS/AFR castings run a smaller intake valve and would be preferred.